DIO provides energy efficiency for service homes and substantial savings for soldiers
Soldiers and their families at 3 army bases are benefitting from sustainably warm homes and significantly lower bills, after the DIO completed significant improvement work over the last year.
New cladding on houses at Warminster will save energy and cut soldiers’ bills. [Picture: Crown Copyright]
Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) used external cladding to make the houses much more energy efficient. The cladding, which was required due to the nature of the construction of the properties, also improves the houses’ appearance.
At Wilson Square, Warminster, DIO spent almost £6 million improving 62 three-bedroom houses. The houses are concrete frame design and had a very low energy-efficiency rating, but after their refurbishment they were up to the latest standard, saving their occupants around £400 on their bills.
The 45 pre-war brick houses at The Oval on Lulworth Camp in Wiltshire had wall cavities too small to insulate, so DIO spent £6.3 million to fully refurbish them, which included wall and floor insulation, Air Source Heat Pumps for primary heating and solar panels. The result is excellent modern facilities for service families, who are expected to save between £300 to £450 a year.
The families living in 69 two and three bedroom houses on Brookwood Estate in Pirbright are looking at saving between £300 and £400 a year, after DIO spent almost £6.8 million refurbishing their properties, which are based on concrete frame designs.
Air Commodore Ian Tolfts, DIO’s Head of Accommodation, said:
This work has delivered a better quality of life for these service personnel and their families, who as well as having more comfortable and modern homes, will benefit from significantly lower fuel bills. As well as demonstrating DIO’s commitment to delivering a more efficient Defence estate and outstanding service for our forces, these projects also support the global need for energy efficiency and sustainability.
Major Carol Miller, Unit Welfare Officer, Army Training Regiment (Pirbright) said:
The quality of the workmanship and the attention to detail that has been delivered with regards to this massive project has been outstanding and it is particularly pleasing to note that so much thought has gone into to this work making the best use of the available interior and exterior spaces, as opposed to just a like for like.
This project will make a big difference to the quality of the lives for our soldiers at Pirbright for years to come, and we look forward to seeing further improvements to properties in the area.